Decision details

Cabinet received a report which outlined progress on returning the Procurement Service, which was currently delivered as part of the business partnership with Engie, to direct management by the Authority; and sought approval to adopt a ‘Responsible Procurement Charter’ which would comprise a set of ethical standards for suppliers which reflected the Authority’s policy position.

It was proposed that the ‘Responsible Procurement Charter’ as set out at Appendix A to the report be adopted and reflected where appropriate in revised terms and conditions of contract.  This would allow the Authority to mandate adherence when awarding contracts and to monitor compliance thereafter.

Cabinet considered the following decision options: to approve all recommendations as set out in paragraph 1.2 of the report, or alternatively, to approve recommendations (1) and (2) only, but not recommendations (3) and (4); or, to not approve to the recommendations.   

Resolved that (1) the progress made in implementing Cabinet’s decision of 15 October 2018 to returning Procurement services which were currently delivered by the Engie Business Partnership to direct management by the Authority, be noted;

(2) the Head of Commissioning and Asset Management, in consultation with the Head of Law and Governance, the Head of Resources and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, be authorised to carry out the necessary steps in completing the return of Procurement Services;

(3)  it be noted that a significant number of ‘ethical charters’ have been

received and researched by the Authority, aimed at securing the adoption of various standards, many of which cover procurement activity and the supply chain; and that these charters have been evaluated for ‘fit’ with the Authority’s policy position and the Our North Tyneside Plan, resulting in a proposed ‘Responsible Procurement Charter’ for the Authority; and

(4)  the proposed ‘Responsible Procurement Charter’, as set out at Appendix A

to the report, be adopted and the Head of Commissioning and Asset Management, in consultation with the Head of Law and Governance, be authorised to amend the Authority’s contract terms and conditions, where appropriate, to reflect those areas set out in the Charter.

(Reasons for decision: This would enable all aspects of the Authority’s procurement functions to be delivered, managed and controlled directly by the Authority thus optimising efficiency and effectiveness. 

The adoption of the proposed ‘Responsible Procurement Charter’ further supports the priorities as set out with Our North Tyneside Plan and also the Authority’s Social Value priorities within the Procurement Strategy 2017-2020.)